Sunday, February 27, 2011

How to Get a Pot Belly Pig For Free

The question that I have heard many people ask is where can I find Pot belly pigs for sale and the simple answer is where do you live. The truth is finding a pot belly pig can be quite a challenge. These types of animals are not as popular as cats and dogs and as a result, finding the right pig can become a quest. The best way to find a pot bellied pig will be to see if there is a farm in your area because pigs are actually farm animals. Another option is to contact a local farm bureau and they will be able to let you the different farm locations in your area.

But wait, why buy a pig when there are tons of homeless pigs out there in different shelters, just waiting for some one to come and become there owner. So many people give their pigs to the animal shelters every year because they can no longer take care of it. If you want a pet and you are considering getting a pot bellied pig or any other type of pig, why not consider checking to see if there is one at a local animal shelter. Not only will you be helping that animal shelter, you will also in a way be rescuing that poor animal and you will also be able to keep your money because the pig from the shelter will be free, that's the best part. So, while there might be some pot belly pigs for sale somewhere, you need to also remember that there are other pigs that are not for sale and they need you help; and the best part is that you can get them for free.

But if you do choose to buy a pig anyway, then you need to remember that when buying a Pot belly pig, it is important that you buy it from someone that is reputable. Since not a lot of people know much about pigs, it is possible that you could end up buying a sick pot belly pig and not know it. That is why it is advisable to contact the local farm bureau for reputable breeders in your area.

The World Wide Web also has a host of people who are trying to sell their pot belly pigs. But before searching pot belly pigs for sale, you will need to ask yourself if you are ready for the responsibly that come with owning a pig. A pot belly pig is a precious animal but only if you know how to take care if it. Sadly people had to give up there pig because they realize that they know little to nothing about there pig when they bought it. My point is that owning a great pet is one thing but knowing how to take care of it is another thing.

Many buy a pot bellied pig because they think it makes a great pet but they don't consider how to take of it, what to feed it, how to maintain the pig's hygiene and so forth.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Having Pot Belly Pigs As Pets

Dogs, cats and birds are very common pets found in everyone's house. But getting a pot bellied pig to your home as a pet is definitely something different and yet special. There is nothing to be worried to consider the pig as a pet. They are also just as any other domestic animal.

The pot bellied pigs or PBP in short are known to have been originated from Vietnam. There are as many as fourteen sub types of pigs known. Since they belong to the pig family, they can be easily cross bred.

The pigs gain up to a weight of 135 kg and get a pretty big belly size. They are good natured and most importantly completely odor free!!?

Adopting a PBP is very simple. Contact your local pig breeder shop and check if they have a well trained pig for sale. Getting a younger pig is always advised as they can easily get adjusted to the family environment and also the kids can adjust to them fast.

But a word of caution is necessary when leaving kids with the pigs. The pigs generally try to dominate the ones weaker than them and hence the kids are to be monitored well.

Feeding a pig is so easy and needs no extra attention, but they must be well fed and in time. Regular health check ups and vaccination should lead to a tension free breeding of the pigs.

Proper housing of a pig is necessary. They can be left to wander around inside the house. If they are left outside they must be fenced properly as they are fond of wandering around. Also the pot bellied pigs must never be tied as they would never be liked to be bound and handicapped of their freedom.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Teaching Your Potbelly Pig to Stop Chewing Household Items

Pigs love to explore and forage and get bored very easily as they are very intelligent. They need something to do to pass the time and occupy themselves with. If their owners don't provide something acceptable for them to do, they will make their own fun and that usually means getting into mischief.

If you give you pet too much freedom, he will turn your home into a play pen. You must teach your pig which objects he can play with and which he can't while you're at home. When you assume the role of the lead pig, you must reprimand your pig strongly if he plays with forbidden items while you're in the house. Tell him, in a strong voice, "NO, Leave it" and lead him away from the item quickly. Give him a favorite toy as a replacement and praise him when he accepts it.

You can buy or make some toys for him to play with. A rooting box, which is large but shallow plastic or wooden box filled with river rocks and birdseed. Pigs also love to roll small to medium sized balls around or chew on a soft chew toy. You can also let them shred newspaper or magazines, but only ones that you give them of course.

Remember that for this training to work, you need to catch your pig in the act. Coming home and reprimanding your pig after he has run rampant while you were out will only confuse him.

The final step is to pig proof your house - although this cannot be done fully, you can get pretty close. Pigs will want to open every cupboard and fridge that they can, looking for food or something to play with. Dangerous items such as candy, snacks, dog and cat food or household cleaners must be put well out out of reach. You can also use child proof locks on all the doors that you pig may be able to get to.

Sean O'Cluimhan is a tea cup pig owner and breeder for over 10 years. To know more about pot belly pig ownership and care, Sean recommends you visit Pot Belly Pig Secrets

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_O_Cluimhan

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Potbelly Pigs and What You Absolutely Need to Know

The first thing that you should know is that these little guys are in serious need of your help, and that every year many die because of ill-informed owners. The first thing that you need to understand, is that although they are cute, without the proper research an owner will do more harm than good. Make sure that you always do your studying up on any animal before purchasing it. Many potbelly pigs are up for adoption and in need of a good home, but its the home environment that should be looked at first.

If you are considering getting a potbelly pig, make sure that you understand that it can be aggressive, and get itself into a lot of trouble. On the other hand it is true that they can be wonderful pets, so long as someone understands the prep work involved and how to handle them.

Other animals are probably not a good idea to have around if you plan to have a pig in your home. These guys are pretty notorious for not getting along with other creatures, and your other animals may not like your new buddy either.

Now, there are many outstanding qualities about them as well. They can be affectionate, and are very much like a dog in behavior. Pot bellied pigs can also be a blast to have around the house, and people who are allergic to most other pets rarely have problems with them. The problem is that they are very smart, and matching wits with them can be tricky.

Its really no different than getting a dog. You wouldn't get your grandmother who walks with a cane a rambunctious little yippy dog that's a handle for her to take care of, would you? Do your studying and see how a potbelly pig could potentially fit into your home environment.

If you're looking to get a pet pig, then there are some things that you should know first. To make sure that its a good experience, I highly recommend that you check out this site on information about a potbelly pig.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Why Pot Bellied Pigs Make Great Pets

Did you know that pigs are the fourth most intelligent animal on the planet? They are fourth on the list after humans, primates, dolphins and whales. Most of us can't keep a whale or a dolphin as a pet (for obvious reasons) so if intelligence rates high on your choice of pet, you really should consider pot-bellied pigs.

Pigs are very affectionate, social and intelligent beings and contrary to popular belief aren't smelly by nature, it's only the way they are kept that has given them this reputation. Pigs are generally clean and make good pets for people who are prone to allergies as they are furless.

Before getting a pig you need to consider if you can provide it with a healthy environment. Needless to say they're not a good choice if you live in an apartment. If you don't have the time to spend with your pig, it may develop destructive behavior if bored - pigs love rooting and digging! It's essential to provide it with time, attention and mental stimulation.

Being highly intelligent, pigs can be trained to do tricks just like dogs. They can even be house trained in the same way as a dog. You just need a little patience and time and before you know it your pig will know not to make a mess indoors. They respond to praise and kindness so always praise your pig profusely if it has done well.

Pigs can be very stubborn and headstrong sometimes and if they aren't socialized properly they can become territorial and aggressive. While it is rare, they can bite and so aren't ideal pets for small children.

If you live in a hot area, you must provide your pig with a means of cooling off. Pigs perspire like humans and don't do well in excessive heat. A kiddy pool in the backyard will provide your pig with the chance to cool off when it's hot. If it's cold on the other hand, you have to provide warmth for your pig, the ideal temperature for pigs is 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Commercially prepared pot-bellied pig food is available but because pigs love variety you should supplement your pig's diet with fruits and vegetables and make sure fresh water is always available.

Because pigs can live up to 15 years you have to be absolutely sure you can make such a long-term commitment before buying one. Pigs are not low maintenance pets and you should do proper research before even considering getting one.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

How To Breed Pot Belly Pigs

Step 1

Find a suitable mate for your pot bellied pig. Do a little research to learn the possible traits the piglets will have according to the backgrounds of both parents. Breeding for specific qualities and looks can help sell them faster and for better prices.

Step 2

Take both pot bellied pigs to the veterinarian for a health check-up and vaccinations. The veterinarian should performa a pre-pregnancy exam on the female to ensure she is healthy enough to breed.

Step 3

Know the estrus cycle of the female pig so the pigs can be bred at the right time. A female pot bellied pig comes into heat every 3 weeks, or every 21 days. The estrus cycle only lasts 2 to 3 days, so knowing exactly when it occurs is crucial to having her bred. Her vulva becomes red and swollen when she is in heat and ready for breeding. She also may start behaving oddly during the heat cycle.

Step 4

Put the pot bellied pigs together in one pen so that they can breed. Make sure the pen is secure with solid sides, a gate and shelter. If the pigs don't get along, they have to be watched. You may even have to separate them after they breed so they don't get hurt.


Read more: How to Breed Pot Bellied Pigs | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2072999_breed-pot-bellied-pigs.html#ixzz0vHVqzHcb

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Tips to Take Care of Pot Bellied Pigs

If you're looking for a pet, and you're thinking about getting something that is a bit out of the ordinary, the number of choices is quite large. One option that seems to be quite popular among people looking for something special is the pot bellied pig.

While it might sound disgusting for many, getting a pot bellied pig can be a great decision for the right person. If you get one, you will probably be surprised, but they make quite good pets. The two main things a pet owner needs to know about their pot belly pig is that it's an affectionate pet, as well as intelligent. Some people believe that bad smells accompany pigs in the house, but it's false, since people don't have any bad odours.

Another thing about pigs is that they don't provoke any allergies, so people with this type of problems, or with asthma, can get a pig without any problem. However, before you pick a pig as your pet, you need to know that they need plenty of care and attention, in addition to large rooms and space where they can develop and grow. If you live in an apartment we don't recommend getting a pot belly pig as your pet.

The total weight of a pot belly pig can get over 240 pounds, this being an average weight for this type of animal. Since they have long life, when you get a pot belly pig you make a commitment in the long run, to take care of it and love it. Their life usually goes up to 15 years, or more. Pigs are smart animals, so if you invest some time and you are patient with them, they can be trained to do tricks. In most cases, if a dog can do a trick, a pig can be taught to do it as well.

A pot belly pig needs plenty of attention from his owner, or he starts to destroy stuff in your house. He does this when he gets bored, so you need to keep him occupied. Another thing you need to know is how to take care of the pig's diet. Ideally, you should give him food that is low protein and low fat. Just because he is a pig doesn't mean you should give him every table scrap in your house.

If you want a pet with a long life, treat him as a pet, and go to the pet shop, where you can find foods suitable for pot belly pigs. One of the main ingredients of a pig's diet should be vegetables, as it will help them stay healthy and grow old with you.

Visit PotBellyPig.Org and learn more about pot belly pig care and baby pot belly pig training.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cristian_Stan